Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
Greetings yogis!
I’m here to chat about the basics of essential oils and aromatherapy. Something about the beautiful scent of essential oils always completes my yoga practice. I've used essential oils growing up, but not very regularly. I've always been interested in learning about the specifics of each oil, how they're blended, and the different uses each one has to offer. For example, about five years ago, I used to suffer from insomnia and sleeplessness. I went to the doctor several times and was prescribed medication, which made me feel like a zombie, so I quickly discontinued that remedy. Instead, I decided to practice yoga more regularly, drank more tea, started meditating, and practiced savasana before bedtime. Also, I began using a relaxing blend of essential oils to help me rest. Really, a combination of yoga, meditation, tea, and essential oils has really helped me get restful sleep. Sounds like a lot of work doesn't it? It's actually not, considering these things are natural, organic, and good for you.
Aromatherapy is another way of implementing essential oils into your lifestyle. It is commonly used during yoga classes to promote a peaceful and relaxing environment. If I don't want to use a diffuser during class, I'll sprinkle a few drops of oil on the tops of my feet, so when I walk around the studio the scent travels throughout the room. People often use oils to fill their homes with these luscious scents. Here is a neat list of simple ways to implement essential oils in your home. Aromatherapy doesn't have to be difficult. For example, during the holidays my mom likes to boil a few cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves to create a festive vibe while we chat over breakfast. It's simple, smells delicious, and lasts for hours. A few other options to consider are diffusers, oil burners, or if you're feeling crafty you can make a homemade reed diffuser like this one. Even sprinkling a few drops of lavender on a cotton ball and placing it in the corner of your closet can freshen up the space! Be creative and have fun.
Essential oils are incredible. They last a long time because they are highly concentrated, which means you only need a few drops at a time. Also, they do not release harsh chemicals into the air you breathe like normal candles and air fresheners do. Please be aware when choosing your oils that they read "essential oil" as opposed to "fragrance oil" as they are completely different. Essential oils are natural oils that are extracted from different parts of a plant, whether it be a seed, stem, flower, etc. Fragrance oils are synthetic and often contain chemicals that are not useful to your health and well-being. With that said, I hope you found these tips useful. I'm still learning about all of the benefits and am eager to continue my research. There is a ton of information out there if you are interested in becoming more aware of the benefits and uses of essential oils. What types of essential oils are you currently using?
Peace
Nydia
